Blue Lagoon Iceland - Press Kit

BLUE LAGOON

Named one of National Geographic’s “25 Wonders of the World,” Blue Lagoon has developed an exclusive range of products and services based on bathing in its geothermal seawater which is known for its healing effect and active ingredients including minerals, silica and algae.

ORIGINS AND PROPERTIES

Blue Lagoon’s operation is based on the unique properties of the geothermal seawater and the closed ecocycle it belongs to. It represents an exceptional relationship between nature and technology.

The origin of the geothermal seawater is from 2,000 meters beneath the surface. In its travels through porous lava, a blend of sea and fresh water undergoes mineral exchange and then near the surface, concentration occurs, due to vaporization, evaporation and finally, sedimentation.

The geothermal seawater is led directly from the original source to the lagoons at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa and the Clinic where people enjoy relaxing in the geothermal seawater and benefitting from its healing power and active ingredients: silica, minerals and algae.

BLUE LAGOON

Blue Lagoon is among Iceland’s most well known and unique attractions. The lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater all of which is renewed in 40 hours. Welcoming environment is an integral part of the visit.

In addition to relaxing in the lagoon, guests have access to steambaths and sauna. In-water massage and spa treatments are available. Blue Lagoon has designed a selection of visits inclusive of different services. Special wellness visits are available as well as visits that include meals at Lava restaurant. The visits can be booked in advance on Blue Lagoon’s website.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are available. The tours take place indoors and outdoors and the length of each tour is about 40 minutes. Emphasis is on the geology of the area, the science behind Blue Lagoon and interesting facts.

The Exclusive Bath and Lounge is an option tailor made for guests looking for more privacy and luxury. Entrance to the area includes private changing rooms for 1-2 persons each room. Only six rooms are available. Guests have access to a reserved a private indoor lagoon with access to the Blue Lagoon. An outdoor terrace overlooking the lagoon is a part of the Exclusive Lounge area.

IN-WATER SPA TREATMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

Blue Lagoon offers in water spa treatments and massage. The treatments are developed in-house by the company’s research and development team and spa specialists.

All treatments are based on use of the active ingredients found in the geothermal seawater. The signature treatments are: silica wrap treatment combined with body and face massage; nourishing and relaxing algae treatment, lava deluxe exfoliation;

Silica massage and special deluxe Blue Lagoon massage. A selection of beauty treatments is offered at the Beauty Treatment area located above the shop at Blue Lagoon.

Restaurant

Lava restaurant at Blue Lagoon is surrounded by lava walls and offers a stunning view of the lagoon.

The emphasis is on the use of Icelandic ingredients and the New Nordic Kitchen. The menu is inspired by Blue Lagoon and its surroundings, a la carte and group menu is available. Tasting Menus created by the chefs at Blue Lagoon including Nordic Chef of the Year menu are offered. Fresh seafood is an important part of the menu.

The restaurant is led by a team of innovative and awarded chefs. Viktor Örn Andrésson, Ingi Þórarinsson and Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon. Viktor won the competition Nordic Chef of the Year and the completion chef of the year in Iceland in 2013. Þráinn is the captain of Iceland’s National Culinary Team.

A selection of light refreshments is offered at Blue Café and at the Lagoon Bar which is a part of the spa area. All courses are prepared fresh daily at Blue Lagoon.

CONFERENCE SERVICES

Blue Lagoon offers meeting and conference rooms at the Blue Lagoon and at nearby Eldborg (only 5 minutes drive from Blue Lagoon) Blue Lagoon is a convenient location for meetings and conferences, in a 20 minutes driving distance from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík.

BLUE LAGOON DAY SPA - REYKJAViK

The design of the Blue Lagoon Day Spa in Reykjavík creates a strong connection to the Blue Lagoon’s natural environment. Guests have access to outdoor saunas, hot tubs with fresh water and geothermal seawater. The spa offers a selection of Blue Lagoon spa treatments for face and body and traditional beauty treatments. The spa treatments offered are based on Blue Lagoon Skin Care and its active ingredients: minerals, silica and algae.

BLUE LAGOON SKIN CARE

Through nature and science Blue Lagoon skin care provides the energy of the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater. The skin care range was first introduced in 1995. Constant product developments have taken place in recent years and a selection of face and body products is available.

Blue Lagoon skin care cleanses, boosts and nourishes the skin resulting in healthy, glowing and youthful skin. The first products were developed with the needs of dry, sensitive skin in mind. Based on continuous research Blue Lagoon has expanded the line to a highly developed anti-aging skin care line while staying true to its origin. Blue Lagoon is a true naturceutical skin care brand and brings harmony between nature and science.

Blue Lagoon skin care is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. The Blue Lagoon skin care products are developed according to EU cosmetic regulations, ingredients are from natural plant or vegetable origin. The key active ingredients are, algae, silica and minerals. Ingredients or final products are not tested on animals. The products are paraben and GMO free.

Blue Lagoon skin care is derived from natural elements minerals, silica and algae using scientific methods to combine the properties of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to form a product concept known as “Naturceutical.”

BLUE LAGOON ACTIVE ELEMENTS

Blue Lagoon silica: is the Blue Lagoon’s signature ingredient, formed by silica molecules that polymerize into colloids, which finally create the white silica mud seen in the actual lagoon. The silica holds an important role in treating skin conditions Research reveals its skin repair and anti-aging effects.

Blue Lagoon algae: is only found in the Blue Lagoon’s extreme conditions with high temperatures and salinity. Under these conditions, algae develop skin bioactive molecules. The algae have significant skin protecting and anti-aging effects.

Blue Lagoon minerals: A special mix of seawater and freshwater from deep within the earth create the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, which contains a unique combination of pure minerals. Clinical tests prove these natural minerals heal certain skin conditions, and contribute to our well-being.

Sustainable & Green Methods

The Blue Lagoon active ingredients are sustainably sourced at the Blue Lagoon Research and Development Center and production methods are green and environmentally friendly.

Blue Lagoon Shops

Blue Lagoon lifestyle shops are located Reykjavík city center, at Keflavík International Airport and at Blue Lagoon. The shops are the main selling outlet for Blue Lagoon skin are. Worldwide distribution is through www.bluelagoon.com. The design of the shops represents a strong connection to the Blue Lagoon’s natural environment. A lava wall is prominent and white and blue colors represent Icelandic nature’s clean energy.

RESEARCH – ANTI AGING

Blue Lagoon’s research laboratories, in cooperation with research consultant Prof. Jean Krutmann, a dermatologist and international expert in Skin Aging Research and Environmental Medicine, have discovered through comprehensive research on the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater that extracts of its unique components have a powerful action on the skin.

These elements are important for maintaining the appearance of a healthy, young skin.

Collagen makes up 75% of our skin. It gives the skin strength and durability and is responsible for the smooth, fresh appearance of young and healthy skin. Over time the skin’s natural collagen production slows down and collagen is damaged due to environmental stress factors, i.e.UV-radiation.

A healthy functioning of the skin barrier is important in protecting the skin from disorders such as dryness, inflammation and sensitivity. Damage to the skin barrier can be caused by a variety of environmental stress.

BLUE LAGOON PSORIASIS TREATMENT

Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatment is a natural treatment offered at Blue Lagoon Clinic. The treatment is based on the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater known for its healing effect on psoriasis and active ingredients, minerals, silica and algae.

Nurses provide daily supervision and oversee the treatment. Treatment guests also meet with a dermatologist who manages the treatment. The dermatologist and nurses evaluate which parts of the treatments are most suitable for each patient. A referal from a dermatologist is necessary to begin the treatment. One and two weeks treatments are available with the possibility of adding extra days if needed and/or if the patient prefers a longer stay.

Accommodation is available at Blue Lagoon Clinic. Iceland‘s fresh air and water and being close to nature in the serene setting of Blue Lagoon Clinic are essential parts of the treatment. Guests are encouraged to relax while they enjoy the benefits of the seawater .

Recognized Treatment Option

The Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatment is world unique, natural and without side effects. The treatment has been offered since 1994. Blue Lagoon Clinic, a dermatology treatment and research center specializing in the Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatment, opened in 2005. The Icelandic Ministry of Health has recognized Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatment as an official treatment option. The Icelandic Social Insurance reimburses the treatment cost for Icelandic patients and it is also recognized treatment method in Denmark and in the Faroe Islands.

Scientifically Verified

It has been scientifically verified that regular bathing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater is an effective treatment for psoriasis. By combining it with UVB light therapy treatment results can be maximized. The research is the basis for Blue Lagoon's recognition as an officially recognized treatment option. Blue Lagoon has a strategic partnership with the National University Hospital in Iceland and the University of Iceland for Research. Selected research projects have been funded by the Icelandic Technology Development Fund.

BLUE LAGOON – CLINIC & HOTEL

The psoriasis treatment is offered at Blue Lagoon treatment center. In 2007 Blue Lagoon Clinic received an award for its architecture from the Association of Icelandic Architects. The Clinic includes a specially designed room for guests to relax in after bathing and light therapy. Massage room and rooms for medical examinations and doctor's appointments are at the site.

The hotel part offers 15 double rooms. The rooms are well designed and spacious with a private bathroom and a porch. Natural light flows into the building creating a connection with the natural surroundings. Television and Internet access is available in each room. A dining room and a living area, and a fitness room equipped with cardiovascular equipments, weight lifting stations and free weight is at the Clinic.

Blue Lagoon Architecture and Design

Blue Lagoon's emphasis on architecture and design is an integral part of the company's operation and the experience of its guests. Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, Basalt Architects www.basalt.is is the architect of the Blue Lagoon facilities including Blue Lagoon Bath, Blue Lagoon Clinic and Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavík.

Capturing the harmonious links between man and nature is what architect Sigrídur Sigthórsdóttir accomplished with the Blue Lagoon. “I attempted to capture the mystery of the location with the ever changing play of light and shadow across the lava, the steam from the lagoon and the special light that characterizes the northern part of the world,” says Sigrídur, of Basalt Architects, the Reykjavik firm that designed the Blue Lagoon’s facilities.

“Icelandic materials from moss and stones characterize the design. We wanted to emphasize the relationship between nature and the man-made,” she says. This relationship can be seen the moment a visitor steps out of his car and walks from the parking lot through a 200-meter walkway cuts through a wall of lava. It’s like descending into a lava maze, guided by nature into the lagoon itself.

Then there is the lava wall inside the facility (containing about 70,000 pieces of lava), connecting the building with an untouched lava wall that leads guests to Blue Lagoon. The building’s soft lines blend with the lava, as it opens towards the lagoon absorbing the northern sun hanging low in the winter or rising high during the endless light of summer. From the beginning of the Blue Lagoon project, Sigþórsdóttir’s goal was to “protect the environment and respect its geological history.”